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House leaders prep new GOP plan

John Boehner will meet with other House GOP leaders to discuss 2012 strategy. | AP Photo

“My fear is [that] without a tax extender package this year, our attention will be split between those lobbying for a short-term extension of the tax extenders at the same time, dividing our time on tax reform,” Schock said.

With both parties scrambling for the upper hand politically, taxes have once again emerged as a central legislative item for House Republicans. A still-fragile U.S. economy and the recent debate over the payroll tax cut — a political battle won by Obama and the Democrats after missteps by Boehner and GOP congressional leaders — have focused top Republicans on themes like cutting taxes for small businesses.

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But Republicans must also deal with trillion-dollar-plus federal deficits. And with the Bush tax cuts and the payroll tax cut expiring at the end of the year, combined with the need to once again boost the U.S. debt limit beyond $15.2 trillion, some in Washington are looking ahead to a year-end “Taxageddon.”

Party leaders are also wary of drawing renewed attention to income equality in the wake of the Occupy Wall Street movement. In that vein, they’ve set their sights on a selection of targeted, business-friendly bills.

In the past two weeks, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) helped shepherd to passage the JOBS Act — a measure aimed at making it easier for startups to launch and grow — and quickly pivoted to legislation calling for a 20 percent tax cut for many small businesses.

On energy, House Republicans will continue to press for approval of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline project, an issue they see as a political winner as U.S. gas prices hit records highs.

They will also call for more oil and drilling on federal lands or other now-restricted areas. Oversight of the Obama administration’s energy policies, including the Energy Department’s handling of more than $14 billion in stimulus-funded loan guarantees, will be a key focus, as well. And House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans will question top White House energy aides this week behind closed doors about loans to failed California solar firm Solyndra.

”This is both a legislative and oversight plan that will highlight policies that we think are destroying our ability to utilize the energy we have in the ground,” a GOP staffer said.

Meanwhile, as the Supreme Court hears oral arguments this week in a landmark case challenging the constitutionality of Obama’s health care reform law, Republicans will continue to push oversight hearings on how the overhaul is “reducing availability and increasing prices,” the aide added.

Congress has restricted and, in fact, halted military aid to Egypt until and “unless the State Department certifies that Egypt is making progress on basic freedoms and human rights.” After all, Christians and other practitioners of non-Islamic religions have had a tough go of it there. And of course, many Egyptian officials harbor such hatred toward the U.S. that one of the candidates for the Egyptian presidency has openly referred to America as the “infidel country” in media interviews. Nevertheless, the news breaking now is that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will soon announce that President Obama will “resume funding for Egypt’s military, despite Congressional restrictions and objections from human rights and democracy advocates.”. During a trip through Colorado in December of last year, President Obama spoke of his intention to implement his economic policies with or without the approval of Congress. Said Obama, “And where Congress is not willing to act, we’re going to go ahead and do it ourselves.” It now appears that such a mindset applies not only to economic matters but to the distribution of foreign aid as well--in particular, foreign military aid for the Muslim Brotherhood, who now hold the reigns in Egypt. Even Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), a man with whom I’ve never agreed on anything, sees the foolishness of this endeavor: “I believe [sending the aid] would be a mistake. The new [restrictions were] intended to put the United States squarely on the side of the Egyptian people who seek a civilian government that respects fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, and to clearly define the terms of our future relations with the Egyptian military.”. Who knows; perhaps the Obama administration can also circumvent Congress and give the Iranians some nuclear materials or give Hamas some advanced weaponry? I know both ideas sound crazy, but they’re no crazier than giving $1.5 billion in military aid to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Again nothing new, less regs, repeal health care, pipeline, crush entitlements, lower taxes for the rich, and put further weight on the backs of the middle class. Just making busy work to seem like they are moving ahead..............correct me if I'm wrong, but I didn't hear the words "working with dems" any where in this article,

In reguards to energy=quote “the estimated sum of these resources totals approximately 51 trillion barrels of oil equivalent—43 times greater than the current estimate of the world‘s proved oil reserves. If only 2–3 percent can be recovered economically, the United States will secure additional energy reserves equal to the current estimate of the entire world‘s proved oil reserves. This supply would endure for more than 180 years at the current rate of U.S. oil consumption (.025x51trillion/7bnb/yr).: end quote…. from offical US-DOE/ USGS & NETL government joint agency study/report 2007….

This NON-partisan report is a joint US governmental agency report from 2007 conducted by the US-DOE, USGS, NETL and EIA federal govermental agencies decade long study/research… It estimates 2-3 times the oil reserves of Saudi Arabia in the Us Rockies in the Green River oil shale formation alone….

I am a 27yr Petroleum Exploration Geologist, and can tell you that Raytheon & Schlumburger have jointly developed a RF-microwave technology process that will allow us to access 1.8 to 2.2 trillion barrels from the Rockies alone…For American Jobs, For our American Economy, For our future, For our American Energy Security and Independence, for the centuries to come, it is essential that we develope these resources NOW…. We have been truly BLESSED BY GOD with rich resources as a nation….

The biggest tax RIGHT NOW on the American people is the price at the pump... And this tax hits the working class the HARDEST... That is why we need relief at the pump.. That is why the WHOLE Keystone XL pipeline should be approved NOW, and NOT just the southern end... (BY THE WAY OBAMA'S PHOTO OP THE PAST WEEK WAS A FARSE...OBAMA HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SOUTHERN PART BEING BUILT.)... Obama, Ken Salazar & this Obama and his DOE Secretary Chu should APPROVE the complete pipeline NOW, re-open those areas on FEDERAL lands & waters that George W. Bush had openned up in 2008 and Obama had closed in 2009-2011... US permiting on federal lands & waters is now down some 40% as a result yet 75% of ALL America's un-tapped reserves are contained under these federal lands & waters... Time to get busy.... Time to create Jobs...Time for America to produce its own energy for national security sake, as well as the sake of America's future economic prosperity...

FOR THOSE THAT THINK GOVERNMENT CAN DO NOTHING TO EFFECT GAS PRICES: In July 2008 the price of oil went over $140 per barrel and gas was $3.85 at the pump. Then President George W. Bush annouced that he was releasing a small amount of oil from our strategic reserves, the equivalance of about 5 days worth, along with lifting the moritorium on offshore drilling leases off the east coast and started the permiting for exploration & production projects in ANWR, The Artic and The Rockies, With in 4 1/2 months oil was below $75 per barrel & gas was $1.85 at the pump the week he left office.... This is FOOD FOR THOUGHT here folks. If the speculators thought we were finally going to start openning up the vast areas that are now off limits to energy exploration, the price of oil & gasoline as a result would more than likely be cut in half with in 6 months...

As the father of currently serving 8 year, 4 time combat veteran, I AM TIRED OF SENDING MY PETRO-DOLLARS TO SUPPORT OPEC COUNTRIES TYRANTS & TERRORISTS WHO SEND THEM BACK AT MY SON & US IN BOMBS & BULLETS!

If they're going to work on re-writing the corporate and personal tax codes, does that mean we'll finally learn what tax expenditures will be eliminated to make up for the $460 billion in lost tax revenue in Paul Ryan's budget? It will be very interesting to see what they come up with since the Congressional Research Service says anything more than $100 to $150 billion is unrealistic.

"The analysis in this report suggests there are impediments to base broadening by eliminating or reducing tax expenditures, because they are viewed as serving an important purpose, are important for distributional reasons, are technically difficult to change, or are broadly used by the public and quite popular. Given the barriers to eliminating or reducing most tax expenditures, it may prove difficult to gain more than $100 billion to $150 billion in additional tax revenues through base broadening. This amount could have a significant effect on reducing the FY2014 budget deficit—reducing the projected $345 billion deficit by 30% to 43%. This additional tax revenue, however, is equivalent to about 6% to 9% of projected FY2014 individual income tax revenue, and, consequently, would not allow for significant reductions in tax rates (about a one or two percentage point reduction for each bracket)."

And maybe if we're really lucky they will explain how to reduce spending on everything except Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid to 3.75% of GDP, spend at least 3% of GDP on the military -- 4% according to Mitt Romney's plan) -- and still fund everything else (FAA, FBI, FDA, DEA, border patrol, infrastructure, etc.) on the remaining 0.75% GDP (roughly $112 billion based on the current of our economy) -- or negative 0.25% GDP according to Romney's desired level of military spending.

here is an idea for the GOP ..... STOP BEING DEMOCRATS!!! What a mountain of horse manure. There isnt enough of a distinction between the parties for a reasonable person to decide. Its just two parties who gain support by holding up the better picture of a dead person. nonsense. all of it. these spineless lawmakers use the exact same thing every time and everyone goes along with it every time. If the republicans were going to do something about abortion they would have done it between the year 2000 and 2006 but they didnt touch it. if democrats were going to do something about demolishing the ruling class they would have done it from 2008 and 2010. nothing gets done because its all leverage. lets get a real election going! Ron Paul vs Barack Obama. save the petty crap for the race. No other two candidates will make a clear decision for America to choose on. Republicanism or Democracy.

You GOP don't have any facts to go with all that Muslim Brotherhood. If you believe that guy that Briehart or however you spell his name. He is dead and gone. He has no proof, and his info is bogus. He was just a Republican, and the mantra and platform of the party is...lie, lie, lie. That's how they won in 2010 The state legislatures lied, and lied, and lied...to their people. There were even politicians that they defeated that sued them for fraud, and slander. The GOP even settled out of court. They finally said they lied. That's how they re going to win..lie, lie, lie.. By the grace of God will the best man win, and it ain't Romney. His record in Mass was atrocious. I have a dear friend that lived there when he was governor. They had to even fight for unemployment benefits renewal. If it wasn't for the Democrats they would have collapsed. He doesn't know what he is doing. Plus, he raised gas taxes, and cut corporate loopholes. for revenue. If he needed money he went to the Federal government. There will be no SS, or medicare for our children because they want to balance the budget on the backs of our kids. There will be no more funding. Obama/Biden2012

In 2010, 40 million less voters went to the polls than in 2008. In 2012, those voters from 2008 will show up again. Completely different dynamic. Doesn't favor the Republicans. Romney vs Obama will not end well for the GOP across the board. It's going to be yet another swing election, this time back to the left. Especially with the conservatives alienating latino and female voters.

The era of the Tea Party is already over. No strategic rescramble will save the congressional Republicans at this point. More symbolic bills from the House which won't pass the Senate are pointless.

Boehner and House Republicans haven't learned a thing from their failure to lead last year. This year they are offering more of the same: bills that will die in the Senate because House Republicans never craft bills that will be agreeable to Senate Democrats (or Republicans). Most times, House Republican leadership can't craft a bill that unites even House Republicans behind it. Their plans for tax cuts in the face of a burgeoning deficit remind us Republicans aren't serious about deficit reduction. Their refusal to raise new revenues remind us Republicans aren't serious about deficit reduction. Their refusal to rake back billion-dollar subsidies to corporations making $45 billion in profits, like ExxonMobil, remind us Republicans work for the richest 1% and biggest corporations and not for the rest of US. Republican legislation reminds us that Republicans are ever more bold and bald in their attempt to transfer our treasury to those who need it least, the multimillionaires and most behemoth corporations.

Sir, I find it interesting you cite that all it took to lower oil/gasoline prices was for the President to speak a few words about what would happen in the future. (expanded drilling). I interpret this to reinforce the belief that speculators drive the market prices.

If the prices had dropped because of a tangible increase in availability I would alter my response.

And though I do respect your beliefs and the support your family provides to the security of this nation I can disagree with some of what you believe.

I've worked for the DOD for over 30 years and there is no one that can convince me that we couldn't do better in spending our dollars more wisely. Many duplicative programs may be warranted, though I would be hard pressed to defend the magnitudes. If you don't allow yourself to accept the possibility (and more likely the likelihood) that too many defense programs, are, in fact, unnecessary, than we cannot find common ground.

If the Tea Party wants to reduce the and influence of government they really shouldn't place off limits the biggest of the "fraud, waste and abuse" organizations. It suggests to the "non-members" that you are not being fair and honest, and in truth, that is all people really want.

HOW CONSERVATIVES DESTROYED AMERICA Ruined our great Savings and Loan Industry Closed Fairness Doctrine that has allowed Mush Dimbaugh types on our public airwaves Closed Revenue Sharing Since 1980, initiated our involvement in 10 foreign conflicts Repealed Glass Steagall—took deposits in 7000 banks and put 80% in (10) Too Big To Fail Modernization of Commodities Market—from Investment to Casino Derivative Of America 2 very dumb invasions of two of most poor -most unarmed nations on earth=OIL OIL OIL Ruined our International Reputation as a Do Good Christian nation to Big Bully Devil. Stood by as Freak Marketeers ruined our Housing Industry. Stood by as Casino Derivative of America ruined the World Financial Industry. Impeached a Great President for petty political gains that created long term animosity between two parties. Attempted to destroy Safety Nets that make America great middle class Implemented Tax Codes that permitted redistribution of Wealth to top (10%) who now own (73%) of all Net Wealth and (83%) of all Financial Wealth and take home (50%) of all individual income. Today, they have taken America to ranking in oecd nations as (# 2) as Least Taxed---(# 2) as least taxed corporations and horror horror (# 4) on Inequality from bottom 5 in 1980. Since 1980, their Spend & Borrow policies are, mainly, responsible for adding 14,000 Billion to a 1000 Billion debt Fought the great GI Bill. Fought the WWII Draft Installed strict laws which created 57 % of prison inmates on Marijuana use charges which make us lead the world in prison population. Refuse to control the drug Beer. There are many many more baddies. CONCLUSION:::: WANT TO SEE END OF AN EMPIRE YIELD CONTROL TO REPUBLICAN CONSERVATIVES AS WAS DONE IN 2001-2002-2003-2004-2005-2006. SIX OF WORST YEARS IN OUR HISTORY. IMAGINE IF THEY HAD 12 YEARS???

What a great bunch of buffoons. Tax cuts have created this awful economy for the rich. They've done nothing to fix the banking or real estate systems. They've done nothing but try to obstruct health care reform. The do-nothing, know-nothing House is running on obsolete, failed policy and finger point again. If we have no money like they say, we need to collect from people who do. Simple economics and public policy.